Illinois State Scholars Announced

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has released the names of the 2017-18 Illinois State Scholars.

First introduced in 1958, Illinois State Scholars are recognized for their superior academic achievement. State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 765 high schools across the state. Honorees are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

“I applaud all of the 2017-18 state scholars for their hard work and outstanding academic performance,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director. “Students have a lot to contend with as they move through high school—from increased testing to extracurricular activities to highly competitive college admissions. Kudos to these students and also to the teachers, parents, coaches and other mentors who contributed to their success and helped them navigate a path towards college and career success.” 

While this recognition does not include a monetary prize, congratulatory letters from ISAC have been sent to honorees, and the agency has provided personalized Certificates of Achievement to each high school for distribution. A list of current Illinois State Scholars can also be found on ISAC’s website.   

ISAC encourages students interested in attending college next fall to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid. This year marks the first year of “early FAFSA”—allowing students to file their 2017-18 FAFSA beginning on October 1, 2016, rather than having to wait until January 1, 2017, as in previous years.

ISAC offers free financial aid and college access events to assist students and families with the college-going process. Students can also visit the ISAC Student Portal for college planning, financial aid and financial literacy information and free tools, as well as information on how to contact the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates who act as near-peer mentors, for one-on-one assistance and mentoring.  Students can also get answers to their college-going and financial aid questions sent directly to their phones by signing up for ISAC College Q&A, ISAC’s free text messaging service. Visit the ISAC Student Portal for more information at www.isac.org/studentportal.

Altamont High School
Armstrong, Ryan
Childerson, Samuel
Duckwitz, Keidron
McCammon, Elizabeth
Miller, Joshua
Patel, Ravi
Winters, Audrey

Beecher City High School
Bowler, Jordan

Dieterich High School
Aherin, Madeline
Depoister, Hailey
Goedde, Matthew
Hardiek, Alex

Effingham High School
Bushue, Jacob
Denoyer, Alexandria
Donaldson, Jacob
Gurley, Dustin
Herzing, Kayla
Hodges, Brett
Huelsbusch, Ryan
Jorn, Alexandria
Munoz, Antonio
Pearcy, Trent
Smith, Callaway
Smith, Harrison
Teeter, Rachel
Webb, Megan
Wendling, Meredith
Wolfe, Grant

St Anthony High School
Erickson, Gillian
Gibson, Andrew
Gurtner, Laura
Lorenz, Adam
Rentfrow, Kelly
Saba, Andrew
Slaughter, Kristin
Wortman, Rachel
Zeller, Grace

Teutopolis High School
Breer, Audra
Deters, Allison
Esker, Joseph
Hemmen, Abigail
Johnson, Cali
Mette, Trent
Ozenkoski, Lauren
Rieman, Maci
Schumacher, Carol
Siemer, Lauren
Vonderheide, Maria